Month: March 2025

Exodus 38:1-31; Psalms 90:1-91:16; Acts 22:22-23:11

Then Deborah and Barak…sang on that day, saying: “When leaders lead in Israel, When the people willingly offer themselves, Bless the Lord!” Judges 5:1-2 NKJV

“When Leaders Lead” would be a useful hymn today. There’s a vast difference between occupying a leadership position and actually leading. Deborah was not a caretaker leader presiding over the demise of a nation. With clear vision and optimism in the Lord, her communication skills and inclusive approach caused the “flock” to rally behind her, willingly offering themselves to the Lord. The sheep are craving such shepherds. —Peter Ramsay

Tend to His sheep and care for their needs!
Bring God’s supply, which out of love proceeds!
Reach those whose burdens, seem too much to bear!
Nurture their hearts, through soul loving care! —L. S.

Exodus 37:1-29; Psalm 89:19-52; Acts 22:1-21

Let no one despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in
purity. 1 Timothy 4:12 NKJV

Experience is helpful in Christian ministry but more importantly, God looks for integrity of character. Age is not the main criteria for service but godliness is vitally important. God often uses young people: Samuel to speak to Eli, David to kill Goliath, Joseph to be a testimony in Egypt, Daniel to demonstrate purity in Babylon, and Timothy as a missionary. Young people who want to use their gifts in the Lord’s service should be encouraged. Failure to do so may undermine their potential for God. —Paul Young

All to Jesus I surrender, humbly at His feet I bow,
Worldly pleasures all forsaken; take me, Jesus, take me now.  —James Van de Venter

Exodus 36:1-38; Psalm 89:1-18; Acts 21:17-40

I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go into the house of the Lord.” Psalm 122:1 NKJV

The Lord’s people had been away from the Lord’s house and all that they loved. Then someone said, “Let us go into the Lord’s house!” This admonition brought gladness to the psalmist’s heart. He wanted to be where the Lord was honoured and worshipped; where he could learn about Him, sing His praises; and find fellowship and  encouragement. There are circumstances in life that keep us from gathering with the Lord’s people—some valid, some not! How do we react when someone says, “Let’s go to the breaking of bread meeting or other gatherings of the saints?” Is there a heart’s desire to remember the Lord and to meet with other believers? —Ray Jones

Gathered in Thy name, Lord Jesus, losing sight of all but Thee,
O what joy Thy presence gives us, calling up our hearts to Thee!—C. A. W

Exodus 35:1-35; Psalms 87:1-88:18; Acts 21:1-16

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God…and it will be given to him. James 1:5 NKJV
Wisdom has built her house, she has hewn out her seven pillars. Proverbs 9:1 NKJV
But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. James 3:17 NKJV

Do you wish to increase in wisdom? First, ask God for it. Second, practice these seven things. Be pure in thought and motive. Be at peace with all men. Be gentle. Be willing to submit. You don’t always have to have your own way. Be full of mercy and practice good works. Be inclusive of all without partiality and be without hypocrisy. —K. W.

That heavenly wisdom from above, abundantly impart;
And let it guard, and guide, and warm, and penetrate my heart. —C. Smart

Exodus 34:4-35; Psalms 85:1-86:17; Acts 20:17-38

Therefore take heed to yourselves. Acts 20:28 NKJV

This passage records admonitions that Paul gave to the elders of the church in Ephesus. He warned of attacks from outside the church, and of dangers within—men seeking a following. Though addressed to elders, there is a danger of complacency about these issues among all those in a local fellowship. Hence, this warning to take heed to yourselves applies to all. The rest of Paul’s address exposes areas where believers may slip by not following the warnings he gives: the danger of neglecting the Word; the appeal of materialism; wrong priorities; selfishness, prayerlessness, and a lack of love. We need to watch and remember to take heed to ourselves about all these things. —Gary McBride

My life, my love I give to Thee,
Thou Lamb of God, who died for me. —Ralph Hudson

Exodus 33:1-34:3; Psalms 83:1-84:12; Acts 20:1-16

When Jesus had spoken these words, He went out with His disciples over the Brook Kidron, where there was a garden. John 18:1 NKJV

Campbell Morgan said about the Lord Jesus; “Two things are supremely evident: first His majesty and then His meekness.” As we contemplate this garden scene we see both His majesty and His meekness. He entered Gethsemane and in majesty He spoke with God and said “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me.“ In meekness He added, “nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done” (Luke 22:42). The agony was intense; the conflict was real! The hymn writer wrote, “That bitter cup, love drank it up!” Ours is the blessed joy of remembering Him this morning!—Jim Comte

Gethsemane can I forget? Or there Thy conflict see,
Thine agony and bloodlike sweat, and not remember Thee?—J. Montgomery

Exodus 32:1-35; Psalms 81:1-82:8; Acts 19:21-41

And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. Revelation 19:16 NKJV

It was the end of an era when on September 8, 2022, Queen Elizabeth II passed away. Many around the world mourned the loss of the longest serving monarch in British history. But an even greater monarch died over two thousand years ago. On a cross, the King of kings and Lord of lords died for me, for you, for all. If we will call on Him for personal salvation, He will deliver you. Have you honoured His sacrifice and made Him your Lord and King?
Trust in Him today. —Annette Baal

King of kings and Lord of lords—
Oh, how rich these glorious words!
Titles high and boundless fame
Now enhance the Saviour’s name. —J. Wilson Smith

Exodus 31:1-18; Psalms 79:1-80:19; Acts 18:24-19:20

He that hath knowledge spares his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit. Proverbs 17:27
Even a fool, when he holds his peace, is counted wise: and he that shuts his lips is esteemed a man of understanding. Proverbs 17:28

Wisdom is not merely about acquiring knowledge, but about knowing when to speak and when to remain silent. People of understanding are not walking encyclopedias that gush out information. They are quiet individuals who, when counseling, listen first, then speak! They know that often the problem is under the surface. May our words be purposeful, our silence be wise, and our understanding be a source of light in a world that often lacks all of the above.
—Sid Halsband

It is better to be silent and be thought a fool
Than to speak and remove all doubt! —Abraham Lincoln

Exodus 29:38-30:10; Psalm 78:1-31; Acts 17:16-34

Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. Hebrews 13:20-21 NKJV

This benediction speaks to our completeness in Christ. It announces blessing from God through our great Shepherd. These blessings work in us to make us a blessing to others as He works through us. And it brings blessing to God through Jesus Christ that keeps bringing Him glory forever and ever. Can you add your “Amen” (Lord, let it be so!)  to this benediction? —Rex Trogdon

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below. —Thomas Ken